FBI — Malicious Software Features Usama bin Laden Links to Ensnare Unsuspecting Computer Users

Malicious Software Features Usama bin Laden Links to Ensnare Unsuspecting Computer Users

Washington, D.C.May 03, 2011

FBI National Press Office(202) 324-3691

The FBI today warns computer users to exercise caution when they receive e-mails that purport to show photos or videos of Usama bin Laden’s recent death. This content could be a virus that could damage your computer. This malicious software, or “malware,” can embed itself in computers and spread to users’ contact lists, thereby infecting the systems of associates, friends, and family members. These viruses are often programmed to steal your personally identifiable information.

The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) urges computer users to not open unsolicited (spam) e-mails, including clicking links contained within those messages. Even if the sender is familiar, the public should exercise due diligence. Computer owners must ensure they have up-to-date firewall and anti-virus software running on their machines to detect and deflect malicious software.

The IC3 recommends the public do the following:

FBI — Malicious Software Features Usama bin Laden Links to Ensnare Unsuspecting Computer Users